A week after the initial direct talks, President Donald Trump announced the second round of US-Iran negotiations will begin this week in Islamabad, Pakistan, despite fresh clashes in the Strait of Hormuz. Vice President JD Vance will skip the meetings over Secret Service security concerns about short notice, with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner leading the US side. Trump warned of devastating strikes if Iran rejects the deal.
Trump stated on Sunday that US representatives would head to Islamabad for talks starting Monday evening, following the first round hosted by Pakistan on April 11. Initial plans had Vance leading, but the 24-hour notice was deemed insufficient by the Secret Service, Trump told ABC News and others. He praised Vance as 'great' but confirmed Witkoff's arrival Monday and Kushner's for Tuesday, leaving open his own potential later attendance.
Trump accused Iran of ceasefire violations by firing on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, including French and UK vessels, per a Truth Social post. The US has enforced a blockade, turning back 25 vessels (US Central Command), and seized the Iranian ship Touska after warnings. Trump urged acceptance of a 'fair DEAL,' threatening to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges.
Iran's IRNA said the government declined, citing US demands, contradictions, and the blockade as breaches.
